In England, football is a religion. In France, football is not a

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit, the early evening light casting a mellow glow across the space. Outside, the buzz of the city gradually fades into the evening quiet. Inside, Jack is lounging on the couch, his legs stretched out, flipping through a book, while Jeeny stands by the window, watching the world below, her arms folded as she gazes out. The atmosphere feels comfortable but charged, like a conversation is on the edge of beginning.

Host: After a moment of quiet, Jeeny turns to Jack, a slight smile on her face as she breaks the stillness.

Jeeny: “You know, I was thinking about something Robert Pires once said — ‘In England, football is a religion. In France, football is not a religion. It's wine and food.’ It made me think about how culture shapes what we hold sacred. In some places, sports are almost worshipped, while in others, it’s all about food and drink. What do you think that says about how we define passion in different parts of the world?”

Jack: “It’s such an interesting comparison, right? In England, football is this almost spiritual experience. The passion people feel for it is intense — almost like religion. But in France, while they appreciate football, it’s the food and wine that really bring people together. It’s about celebration and sharing, not necessarily the competitive spirit that football fosters.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think it’s a reflection of what each culture values. In England, football is more than just a game; it’s an identity. The whole country can come to a standstill for a match, and people are emotionally invested. In France, it’s more about enjoying the moment, the experience of life, through food, wine, and company. It’s less about competition and more about connection.”

Jack: “It’s fascinating, really. How two countries can have such different approaches to what brings people together, what makes them feel alive. In England, football is a way of life, a way of uniting people. It’s a religion because it gives people something to believe in, something to be passionate about. But in France, it’s almost like they’ve found that passion in other things — in the pleasures of life itself.”

Host: The conversation feels deeper now, the weight of cultural identity and what it means to have a shared passion settling between them. Jack leans forward, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, while Jeeny looks out at the street, clearly reflecting on what they’ve said.

Jack: “Maybe it’s about what we see as sacred. In England, football represents something people can unite behind, something that transcends individual identity. It’s a collective experience. In France, it’s not the same kind of shared obsession. It’s more about the enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures — food, wine, and family. It’s about savoring the moment, rather than living for the next big match.”

Jeeny: “And isn’t that the beauty of it? Different cultures finding their own way to celebrate life. For the English, football becomes the great unifier, the thing that provides meaning, community, and a sense of belonging. But for the French, it’s the daily rituals, the act of coming together over a meal, that builds connection. They each have their own way of making life meaningful.”

Jack: “It’s almost like football, for the English, is about ritual and tradition. It’s passed down through generations, something people can rely on. In France, though, it’s about enjoying the beauty of life in a more relaxed way, without needing that level of intensity or obsession.”

Host: The weight of their words lingers, as though the conversation has opened a deeper understanding of how passion and culture intersect. The world outside continues in its usual rhythm, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a quiet recognition that the things we value most are often shaped by the cultures we belong to — the rituals, the passions, and the experiences that unite us.

Jeeny: “I think that’s what makes each culture so fascinating. It’s not about whether one is better than the other; it’s about understanding what makes people tick, what brings them together, what they celebrate. For the English, it’s football, and for the French, it’s the joy of eating and drinking together. Both are expressions of passion, just different forms.”

Jack: “It’s true. I think it’s the intensity with which we approach these things that makes the difference. Whether it’s the fervor of football in England or the leisurely enjoyment of food and drink in France, they both show how we connect to what we love. The common thread is celebration — of life, of community, of tradition.”

Host: The room feels warmer now, the sense of understanding deepening between them. The city outside continues its rhythm, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a quiet recognition: that the things we value most are not just about what we do, but how we celebrate and connect with each other. Whether it’s a shared love of sport or the simple pleasure of a meal, it’s the passion we bring to the moment that truly matters.

Jeeny: “So maybe it’s not about what we value, but how we express that value. Whether it’s football or food, it’s about coming together, about being present in the things that matter most.”

Jack: “Yeah, it’s about the energy we bring to the things we love. And no matter where we are, that energy is what connects us all.”

Host: The evening settles in, the sounds of the city growing quieter as night falls. Inside, the conversation drifts into a comfortable silence, leaving behind the understanding that passion, whether for football, food, or anything else, is a universal thread that binds us all. And it’s not what we value that matters most, but how we choose to celebrate and share those values with others.